HE stumped many batsmen throughout his illustrious cricket career but, for the past two decades, Mike Whitney has been bowling over fans as host of Sydney Weekender.
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And, the popular 55-year-old television presenter wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love this job; I’d do it for nothing,” he told the Hunter Valley News while filming a segment in the Upper Hunter this week.
“But, I’ll admit, it’s a great way to earn a quid.
“I’m doing a story on a couple of the horse studs in the area – Arrowfield and Darley.
“Scone, and the Upper Hunter, has a lot going for it; it’s a fantastic trip.
“It’s been a decade since I was last here.
“People often go only as far as Broke or Polkolbin, they rarely travel the extra distance.
“However, they’re really missing out on something.
“I always put my hand up to go to the Upper Hunter; it’s gorgeous.
“While I’m visiting the horse studs, fellow presenter Mel Symons is undertaking a food and wine tour.”
With 12 Tests, 38 one-day internationals and 118 first-class matches to his credit, Mr Whitney retired in February 1994.
He then signed up with the Sydney Weekender team on January 1, 1995 – and hasn’t looked back.
“We’ve just done our 850th episode,” he said proudly. “And, I’ve still got another year on my contract.
“I couldn’t name my favourite place.
“This state is so diverse; just look at the Upper Hunter for example.
“It boasts a bit of everything.”
Despite enjoying a high profile on Prime Television for more than 20 years, Mr Whitney is still revered for his cricketing exploits.
He claimed his Test-best match figures of 4-68 and 7-27 in the fifth showdown against India in 1991-92.
That summer he was also Australia’s highest wicket-taker and most economical bowler in the World Cup.
But, he became a much-celebrated No 11 batsman in the 1987 Boxing Day Test, surviving 18 deliveries and defying Kiwi great Richard Hadlee to help secure a draw against New Zealand.
“People continue to recall my batting feats on that day,” Mr Whitney said.
“And, I still give it to Sir Richard [Hadlee] when I get the opportunity,” he added with a laugh.
“Our coach at the time, Bobby Simpson, would make me, Craig McDermott and Merv Hughes bat first at training to face the new ball.
“That enabled us to focus on our defence, which proved invaluable.
“In one Test, I had a 49-run partnership with Ian Healey and backed up with a 43-run stand with Shane Warne; we ended up winning that match by about 18 runs.
“I must admit, I miss cricket and the camaraderie.
“It was a wonderful thing to master bowling; for me, it became an art form.
“I’m still involved with the Randwick-Petersham club.
“The way I look at it – if it wasn’t for Randwick, I don’t get a chance to play for the NSW Blues.
“And, if it wasn’t for the Blues, I don’t get a chance to play for Australia.
“That wouldn’t have opened the door with Sydney Weekender.
“So, I feel I owe that club [Randwick] my life.”
Sydney Weekender airs on Prime Television every Saturday from 5.30pm